Arcadia

Director

Wendy Ludecke Selevitch, PhD

I graduated from Pacifica Graduate Institute with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), CPA (California Psychological Association) and the APA (American Psychological Association). I am a Licensed Clinical  Psychologist (PSY 22818) with the State Board of Psychology and a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (License Number MFC 38430) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences.

I have a special interest in working with couples and families and I am very interested in doing Dream Work with my individual clients. Much of the therapeutic work I do is based on the theories of Carl Jung, Joseph Campbell, James Hillman, and other psychologists having a Depth Psychology perspective. However, I do balance my practice using other therapeutic techniques from other theorists as well. It is not so important for me to apply a certain theory or my own beliefs on a client but instead it is my intention to really understand my clients’ own personal beliefs and expectations of therapy. This aids in personalizing each individuals’ therapy sessions in order to create a comfortable environment in which my clients feel they can express themselves.

Competent therapists do not offer solutions or take sides. They help clients work out solutions according to individual values and lifestyles. Seeking professional assistance is a sign of courage and a willingness to deal with life’s many changes.

Manager and Arcadia Site Supervisor

Maureen Leigh, LMFT

As individuals we all yearn to connect and be part of a relationship. We are products of our families, never learning the necessary tools to be in a healthy relationship. Our blocks prevent us to grow. All relationships are not perfect but if we do not take the time to learn about ourselves, we will go into a relationship less whole than when we were alone. Therapy takes time and having a safe place to allow that process to unfold is just as crucial as the desire to change.

Having over 10 years of training working with domestic violence / anger management for Court ordered offenders and victims of abuse, I have seen firsthand how the dynamics of relationships operate. One cannot change until they are able to take responsibility for oneself and the choices they make in their lives. Sometimes it becomes blurred in terms of how one expresses their individuality and the roles become entangled that we get lost in an unhealthy relationship. We can’t grow until we take the time to learn about ourselves. My approach comes from an insight oriented, awareness of one’s family of origin dynamics, and how we carry forth and repeat patterns in our current day. Without the chance to reflect, we accept how we are without challenging it, but therapy opens up the mind to go beyond and become who we fully are capable of being.

In addition to working with domestic violence, my experience also extends towards child abuse (physical and sexual abuse). I am certified in the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting approach. Currently I provide parenting classes and have a weekly, ongoing women’s Divorce support group. I am specifically interested in couples work and marital therapy, following the works of John Gottman, Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson.

I completed my undergraduate work in psychology at the University of Southern California and then went on to pursue my graduate training at California State University, Los Angeles. I hold a Marriage & Family Therapist license (License Number MFC# 38671) with the California State Board of Behavioral Sciences and a member of the California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists.

Arcadia Site Supervisor

Kyle Ballentine, LMFT

I use a variety of theories in therapy as needed but focus on Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) and a Humanistic approach.  I strive to provide an extremely accepting environment with all my clients.  That’s what I love about therapy; nothing is taboo and it’s a place we can discuss anything in our lives. It’s important to be understood and heard, so I hope I can provide that for you while we find some practical steps to improve how you cope with life.

Personal interests include animals, art, comedy, games, science, and how our weird brains work.

Associate Therapist

Janelle de Veyra, AMFT

I believe working with trauma is both critical and a catalyst for change in the community. I find that each individual’s unique narrative impacts the collective unconscious that we all have the ability to tap into and work with. I specialize in working with empaths, which are people who soak up the emotions of others like a sponge, and give the the opportunity to release excess energies they have been carrying intentionally and unintentionally, differentiating what is truly their own experience versus the feelings, expectations, problems of their closest relationships. My mission as a therapist is to bridge the world of the subconscious and clinical psychology together to empower individuals to live in alignment with their highest purpose. My passion is learning all I can about what it means to be both human and divine- the sacred part of us that has the ability to co-create our own reality; truly experiencing life in this world, making connections, overcoming traumas, and ascending over obstacles that elevate our relationship to the human spirit and one another. My goal is to work with clients in seeking awareness and truth of their authentic selves and their roles in impacting universal consciousness that connects us all.

My favorite specialization is dreamwork or dream tending, where we make the dream come alive in the room and develop a relationship with the psyche. My therapeutic approach stems from depth psychology, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, humanistic, existential, and solution-focused orientations. I guide others to posses the ability to see the bigger picture of situations, the ability to communicate feelings, and the empowerment to express themselves by encouragement. We delve into the past to find the source of the situation, identifying patterns in life that keep you on a constant loop, shift them with awareness and insight, and reprogram outdated modes of thinking or unwanted reoccurring situations with positive intention placed into a practice that is both practical and strategic, in a way that works for the person. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, crisis interventions, suicide prevention, PTSD, self-harm, social boundaries, and communication skills acquired from working with adolescents and their families in a low-income charter school non-profit organization.

I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mount Saint Mary’s University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate of Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT #109589, practicing in the Arcadia Office, supervised under Dr. Jennifer Pruitt, Psy.D License #2009125.

Psychologist

Vanui Giltaji, PsyD

My approach is rooted in the belief that healing and positive change are possible in a nurturing therapeutic environment. I specialize in working with individuals to overcome depression, anxiety, and stress in an integrative and holistic manner. Utilizing a variety of techniques, I am able to create an individualized experience designed to tap into the unique internal resources of each client. I incorporate mindfulness and meditative practices into my work with families, couples, and individuals. My goal is to help clients achieve a life rich with joy and fulfillment.

After graduating from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology, I completed a doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Alliant International University. I am a Licensed Psychologist with the Ca Board of Psychology (PSY26826). I am able to offer therapy and psychodiagnostic assessment services in English and Armenian to children and adults presenting with a wide range of issues. I am located at the Arcadia office.

Associate Therapist

Therese Lee, AMFT

“There are times where our lives and our experiences make us forget how wonderful we are as human beings.” You might have deep wounds that you carry on your shoulders. You might have certain beliefs about yourself- how you make sense in the world in which we live, and are troubled by them. You might be struggling with everyday life and need support in how to navigate it. Wherever you are in this Journey of life; I welcome you with an open heart and offer you a safe and non-judgmental space to heal and grow.

My therapy approach is Person centered, insight oriented, solution focused and with an understanding of family dynamics and origin. I have experience working with Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Grief work, Family and Couples work. I specialize in aiding clients with spiritual development and incorporating it with their life transitions and individuation

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California Irvine and my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University. I am a member of CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists). I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Assoicate Marriage and Family Therapist AMFT#92732, supervised under Maureen Leigh, LMFT 38671

Licensed Therapist

Katy Niles

Katy has been practicing for the last 4 years but has been assisting, mentoring, and guiding others in various avenues for the last 12 yrs. Katy has spent her recent time working with families and children, but very much enjoys working with individuals who are looking to improve their lives. Her specialty includes a myriad of issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, nonactive addictions, ADHD, selective mutism, bipolar, and LGBTQ+.

Licensed Therapist

Irina Strekalova

Who I am and how I work

I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT #44632) in a private practice in Arcadia, CA. I work with individuals, couples and families. I assist children and adults through life’s transitions and challenges that can potentially lead to depression, anxiety, low self-image, decreased self-confidence, or behaviors they would like to change. I work with couples who want to improve their relationships and those considering marriage or separation. We will work together to figure out where you are, where you want to be, and how you can get there. I provide childhood and relationship trauma treatment if necessary to help individuals heal and move on in life.I find that cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy in conjunction with mindfulness, behavior modification, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), TRM (trauma resiliency model) works well for most people. My approach is integrative and tailored to each individual or couple. My goal is to assist you in developing skills and strategies that you can use to bring about realistic and positive changes in your life.

My background

I grew up in Ukraine, then studied and lived in Moscow, Russia, before moving to the USA in 1994. I have two master degrees in psychology: one from Moscow State University, another from New York University. I started practicing psychotherapy in 1999 in Houston, TX, with individuals who suffered chronic pain. Since 2004 I work in Los Angeles, CA, with children, adolescents, and adults.

Professional affiliations

Trauma Resource Institute, EMDR International Association, Tourette Association of America, California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), and San Gabriel Chapter of CAMFT.

Personal

I like to travel, read, hike, dance, and paint in watercolor. I speak Russian and Ukrainian.

Associate Therapist

Douglas Tu, ACSW

I have worked with a diverse array of populations such as domestic violence-survivors, undocumented immigrants, individuals struggling with major depression and anxiety, the elderly, teenagers and transitional-age youth. I am experienced in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy and grief counseling.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara, where I also minored in Applied Psychology. I studied how intersections of gender, race and class influence individuals in a variety of different ways. Particularly, I studied how cultural norms affected mental health services available to the Asian American community. I then received my Masters in Social Work from CSU Los Angeles where I studied how socioeconomic factors influence father involvement. I am registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker (#83802), and I am supervised by Kristine Adamian, LCSW.

Therapy may be a journey towards healing but it is not always easy, especially when one is implored to dig deep into what has made them the person they are today. As a therapist who takes a strengths-based approach to clients, I will offer nothing less than my unconditional positive regard. However I am not afraid to challenge clients to become the great people they are always meant to be. With enough hard work and dedication, I believe all human beings have the capacity to perform great feats.

“A future is not given to you. It is something you must take for yourself.” -Unknown